St. Paul, MN — A family trip in Itasca County this summer turned into months of painful recovery for a father and son involved in an impaired driving crash. Allan Olson, an off-duty Woodbury police officer, and his son Jacob were riding their ATV in northern Minnesota when an impaired driver struck them, leaving them seriously injured on the side of the road. They’re now calling for Minnesotans to drive sober and save lives during this holiday season’s extra impaired driving enforcement campaign.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is coordinating the statewide campaign starting Nov. 26 and running weekends through New Year’s Eve. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides funding for the overtime enforcement and awareness efforts, including advertising. 

“I can barely walk and I’m probably going to need a full hip surgery in five years,” said Allan Olson, a Woodbury police officer. “If the driver would have just made a different choice, I wouldn’t be suffering today. It’s why we have rideshare. It's why we have friends.”

“Allan and Jacob could have died. We’re glad they survived and are on the road to recovery, but there are lasting consequences,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson. “All of this fear, pain and long recovery is because someone made a choice to drive impaired. This is why it is so important to always plan ahead for a sober ride.” 

As of Nov. 24, preliminary data shows that 342 people have died so far this year on Minnesota roads. During 2020-2024, there were 668 alcohol-related driving deaths in Minnesota and 1,926 serious injuries from alcohol-related crashes.

Impaired is impaired

In addition to alcohol, substances ranging from cannabis and hemp-derived THC products to prescription medications and sleep aids can also affect safe driving abilities. Anyone under the influence who is considering getting behind the wheel should put their keys down and get a sober ride.

• A driving while impaired (DWI) arrest can lead to loss of license for up to a year, along with thousands of dollars in costs and possible jail time.
• Repeat offenders and those arrested at 0.16 and above blood alcohol concentration must use ignition interlock to regain driving privileges.

Be safe and plan ahead

• Plan a safe and sober ride for every celebration.
• Offer to be a designated driver. Offer to be available to pick up a loved one anytime, anywhere.
• See someone impaired about to drive? Help them find a safe ride home.
• Buckle up: It’s the best defense against impaired drivers on the road.
• Report suspected impaired driving. Call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Be prepared to provide the location, license plate number and driving behaviors.
• Remember, just like how drinking alcohol in a vehicle is illegal, it is illegal for drivers or passengers to open any cannabis packaging or consume cannabis while driving.

Resources: 

• DriveSmartMN.org
• Traffic Safety and Cannabis Q&A
• Link to video and photos of Olson’s recovery and crash injuries.

About the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s more than 2,400 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.

About the Office of Traffic Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) designs, implements and coordinates federally funded traffic safety enforcement and education programs to improve driver behaviors and reduce the deaths and serious injuries that occur on Minnesota roads. These efforts form a strong foundation for the statewide Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program. OTS also administers state funds for the motorcycle safety program, child seats for needy families program, school bus stop arm camera project and oversees the funding for the Advisory Council on Traffic Safety.